Without
considering whether or not they are fitted for a higher charge than the
one which has been entrusted to them, many people are bitter in their
denunciation of fate, feeling assured of their ability to serve in some
particular niche which they fancy has been unjustly denied them, and
forgetting the old adage concerning the wisdom of him who keeps on
improving himself, whether or no he descries upon life's ladder a higher
position which may, if he be prepared, belong to him. Fully cognizant of
the importance of making himself familiar with the line of work in which
he chose to cast his efforts, and mindful also of the necessity of
daring in the presence of confidence in his own powers, was Mr. Elkus,
who passed away at his home in San Francisco, after a successful and
honorable career as a leading manufacturer and retail clothier of that
city. Of Teutonic origin, his birth occurred in Berlin, Germany, where,
also, were born his parents. Leaving school at the age of thirteen he
immigrated to America and engaged as a cap manufacturer in the east. In
1850, after an eventful trip by way of Cape Horn, he arrived in
Sacramento, where he established a clothing store, later opening a
factory devoted to the manufacture of furnishing goods and clothing, and
he successfully conducted both ventures until his death.

Mr.
Elkus was married to Miss Cordelia deYoung, and they were the parents of
ten children, of whom seven are living. Albert, the eldest, began early
in life to interest himself in his father's business. Born in
Sacramento, August 17, 1857, he received his education in the schools of
his home section, graduating from high school when but sixteen. Shortly
thereafter he accepted a position as typesetter in the service of the
Sacramento Bee, resigning after two years to become his father's
bookkeeper. In this capacity he learned the business thoroughly and
became proficient in the management of every detail of the business,
much to his father's satisfaction. Many times has Albert Elkus
demonstrated his capability and adaptation for the various situations he
is required to meet and 'the offices of honor which he is called upon to
fill and, as his father's successor, he has maintained most progressive
measures, being also widely known for his just measures toward those who
are subordinate to him.

A
man of exemplary principles and high regard for others, industrious and
ambitious to a high degree, the life of Louis Elkus was well spent and
no shadow of unfair advantage in his dealings remains to sully the name
borne by his son.

Source:
History of Sacramento County, California
Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who
Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development from the Early Days
to the Present
History By: William L. Willis
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California (1913)